Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[ALMS champs Highcroft to run updated LMP2 Acura in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/alms-champs-highcroft-to-run-updated-lmp2-acura-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/alms-champs-highcroft-to-run-updated-lmp2-acura-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/alms-champs-highcroft-to-run-updated-lmp2-acura-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a - click above for high-res image gallery

2010 is bringing some changes to the class lineup in the American Le Mans Series, and defending LMP1 champions Highcroft Racing are adjusting. The new structure will combine the former P1 and P2 classes at all races except for Sebring and Petit Le Mans. As a result, Highcroft will campaign a new evolution of Acura's original ARX-01 P2 car dubbed 01c. Highcroft has been part of the Acura ALMS program since its inception in 2006 and is slated to continue in 2010 as the lead development squad.

According to Highcroft spokesman Paul Ryan, the team plans to run only the 01c in 2010, and at this point, only one car is confirmed. If the team can line up sufficient sponsorship, a second 01c may be added to the program.

ALMS spokesman Bob Dickinson has informed Autoblog that the final technical rules for 2010 are still being ironed out by sanctioning body IMSA, but in all likelihood, existing P1 and P2 cars will run together in a common class with weight and restrictor adjustments for equivalency.

At this time, we also don't know the fate of the other two Acura teams, de Ferran Motorsports and Fernandez Racing - or the ARX-02a. The last we heard, Fernandez is still looking for 2010 funding and may end up dropping out while de Ferran previously announced an expansion into IndyCar for 2010. Given Gil de Ferran's longstanding relationship with Honda, we would expect to see an ARX-01c in de Ferran colors next season. For its part, Honda Performance Development couldn't tell us anything about Acura's 2010 plans beyond what Highcroft has already announced. According to HPD spokesman T.E. McHale, plans are still being finalized and an announcement is planned for early December,


Gallery: Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

ALMS champs Highcroft to run updated LMP2 Acura in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura arx-01cacura arx-02aAcuraArx-01cAcuraArx-02aalmsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSerieshighcroft acurahighcroft acura arx-02ahighcroft racingHighcroftAcuraHighcroftAcuraArx-02aHighcroftRacingpatron highcroft racingPatronHighcroftRacingThu, 26 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura LMP2 car to campaign at 2010 24 Hours of LeMans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/acura-lmp2-car-to-campaign-at-2010-24-hours-of-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/acura-lmp2-car-to-campaign-at-2010-24-hours-of-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/acura-lmp2-car-to-campaign-at-2010-24-hours-of-lemans/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lowe's Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Despite having a dominant year with a record-tying eight class wins in the LMP2 category, the Lowe's Fernandez Acura ARX-01b might not be back for the 2010 ALMS season. The Indianapolis-based race team, one of the three original announced by Acura back in 2006, has failed to secure a major sponsor for next year and will cancel its racing program if it fails to find one by the end of the month. As is often the case, however, misfortune can often lead to opportunity. England-based Strakka Racing has made plans to purchase the Acura ARX-01owned by Fernandez Racing and will compete with the car in the European Le Mans Series next year as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The deal has yet to be finalized, but Strakka has already informed the LMS organizers of its intentions and has signed British driver Danny Watts, who previously drove a Panoz Esperante GT-LM in the series. You can see the Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b in the high-res gallery below, which features the car during its class win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca earlier this month.


Gallery: Lowe's Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Acura LMP2 car to campaign at 2010 24 Hours of LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 24 Hours of Le Mans201024HoursOfLeMans24 Hours of Le Mans24HoursOfLeMansAcuraAcura ARX-01bAcuraArx-01bALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesLowes Fernandez RacingLowesFernandezRacingStrakka RacingStrakkaRacingSat, 17 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Panoz ditches proposed LMP1 program in favor of new Esperante successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-panoz-ditches-proposed-lmp1-program-in-favor-of-new-espe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-panoz-ditches-proposed-lmp1-program-in-favor-of-new-espe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-panoz-ditches-proposed-lmp1-program-in-favor-of-new-espe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Panoz Esperante GT-LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Panoz Auto Development. The American sportscar manufacturer came onto the scene in the late Nineties with their AIV Roadster, and later went onto create various road and race versions of the Mustang-based Esperante. Around the same time company founder Danny Panoz started building cars, his father Don Panoz also started the the American Le Mans Series, vaulting the family business from automaker and race team to race series organizer.

In the past few years, Panoz has crafted several Le Mans prototype racers and even some Indy/Champ Car chassis. The company has achieved limited success with its front-engined LMP1 program, but the Esperante GT-LM racecar made history when it took GT2 class victories at both the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 2006. More recently, the company had been focusing its energies on a revolutionary new front-engine LMP1 design called Abruzzi to compete with the field of mid-engine rivals. Reports from the motorsport world, however, now indicate that Panoz has aborted the Abruzzi project in favor of a new GT2 program. But as we all know, GT racers are based on road cars, and that's exactly what Panoz appears to have in the works.

According to Autosport, Panoz decided against a purpose-built racing prototype in favor of a road car, and from that they plan make a racing version. Exactly what the car will be like is up to speculation at this point, but we're looking forward to finding out.


Gallery: Panoz Esperante GT-LM


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: Panoz ditches proposed LMP1 program in favor of new Esperante successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abruzzialmsamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesdanny panozDannyPanozdon panozDonPanozesperantegt2panozpanoz abruzziPanoz Esperantepanoz gt2panoz lmp1PanozAbruzziPanozEsperantePanozGt2PanozLmp1Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[ALMS: Into the sunset for season finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/alms-into-the-sunset-for-season-finale-at-laguna-seca-spoiler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/alms-into-the-sunset-for-season-finale-at-laguna-seca-spoiler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/alms-into-the-sunset-for-season-finale-at-laguna-seca-spoiler/#commentsFiled under:


2009 ALMS Monterey Sports Car Championships - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2009 ALMS season came to a close last night with a four-hour race into the sunset at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. While several championships still needed to be decided going into the race, much of the attention during the weekend was given to Gil de Ferran, who was competing in the last race of his career. His uniquely-liveried Acura ARX-02a not only looked fantastic, but it was quickest by a slim margin in qualifying. It seemed everyone hoped de Ferran would go out on top, but the sister Acuras in P1 and P2 were determined to make it difficult. In GT2, it was anyone's guess who would come out on top. A Corvette put down the quickest qualifying lap, but both the Flying Lizard Porsche team and the Risi Competizione Ferrari would be fighting hard to secure the championship. Would Gil de Ferran win his last race as a driver? Would the Corvette manage to hold off the Porsches and Ferrari? If you don't plan on watching the tape-delayed race on SPEED TV this afternoon at 2:30 pm EST, then read on to find out.


Gallery: 2009 ALMS Monterey Sports Car Championships


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AmericanLeMans.com]

Continue reading ALMS: Into the sunset for season finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert)

ALMS: Into the sunset for season finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesgil de ferranGilDeFerranMazda Raceway Laguna SecaMazdaRacewayLagunaSecaSun, 11 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[ALMS: Gil de Ferran grabs Laguna Seca pole in final qualifying of his career]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/alms-gil-de-ferran-grabs-laguna-seca-pole-in-final-qualifying-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/alms-gil-de-ferran-grabs-laguna-seca-pole-in-final-qualifying-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/alms-gil-de-ferran-grabs-laguna-seca-pole-in-final-qualifying-o/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 ALMS Monterey Sports Car Championships Practice and Qualifying - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend is Gil de Ferran's final race of his career, and he plans to go out on top. The Brazilian captured pole position yesterday in his Acura ARX-02a, which features a unique livery to honor Jim Hall, the man who de Ferran first raced for. The milk white paint and number 66 roundels mimic Hall's legendary Chaparral race cars, two of which were on hand at the track. Gil de Ferran's qualifying time of 1:11.206 was less than a tenth of a second off the class record, which was followed closely by fellow Acura driver David Brabham. Brabham and the rest of the Patron Highcroft Racing team need only to complete seventy percent of the race to wrap up the LMP1 championship.

The Lowe's Fernandez Racing LMP2 Acura team continued its season-long dominance by capturing its fourth pole of the season and hopes to record its eighth victory this year. Although the team secured the class championship at Petit Le Mans two weeks ago, it hasn't secured sponsorship for the 2010 season and hopes to make a good final impression.

In the hotly-contested GT2 category, Corvette Racing continued to prove that it will be a top contender no matter what class it competes in. Jan Magunessen edged out the Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 in qualifying for Corvette's first ever GT2 pole position. The main battle will be between the Ferrari and the Flying Lizard Porsche GT3 RSR, both of which are still in contention for the championship.

Check back tomorrow for more of our ALMS coverage from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and if you have SPEED TV, tune in from 2:30 to 6:30 pm EST time on Sunday to watch the race, or listen live this afternoon at AmericanLeMans.com or on Sirius 126 and XM 242. If you simply want to view high-res pics from the race, then point your mouse to the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Monterey Sports Car Championships Practice and Qualifying


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AmericanLeMans.com]

Continue reading ALMS: Gil de Ferran grabs Laguna Seca pole in final qualifying of his career

ALMS: Gil de Ferran grabs Laguna Seca pole in final qualifying of his career originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcuraAcura ARX-02aAcuraArx-02aALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGil de FerranGilDeFerranMazda Raceway Laguna SecaMazdaRacewayLagunaSecaSat, 10 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi posts more than two dozen clips from Petit Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/video-audi-posts-more-than-two-dozen-clips-from-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/video-audi-posts-more-than-two-dozen-clips-from-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/video-audi-posts-more-than-two-dozen-clips-from-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Audi does Petit Le Mans - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Over the past weekend, while the Joest Racing crew was working away preparing the two Audi R15 TDIs for the extra-Petit Le Mans, reserve driver Mike Rockenfeller and a camera crew were out and about shooting a series of videos. Audi has now posted more than two dozen videos on its YouTube page that include driver and crew interviews, tours of the garage, pits and a tour of Road Atlanta. There's plenty of up-close action as everyone gets ready for what proved to be a rain shortened race.

During the track tour, Rockenfeller (a.k.a. Rocky) describes some of the physical attributes required to get through certain corners at maximum speed. For those unfamiliar with Road Atlanta - or what goes on behind the scenes with a team like Audi - it's worth checking out the vid posted after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi posts more than two dozen clips from Petit Le Mans

VIDEO: Audi posts more than two dozen clips from Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesaudiaudi r15audi r15 tdiaudi sport team joestAudiR15AudiR15TdiAudiSportTeamJoestfalsepetit le mansPetitLeMansvideoTue, 29 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R15 TDI leading Petit Le Mans - click above for high-res gallery

The American Le Mans Series ran half of its annual flagship race this past weekend at a rain-saturated Road Atlanta track in Georgia. The race marked the first anniversary of the inauguration of the ALMS Green Challenge, and in spite of the truncated race length, organizers announced winners in both the prototype and GT categories and the winners all came from the Volkswagen Group.

Among the prototypes, the No. 1 Audi R15 TDI led for more than four hours until shortly before the race was red flagged. However, the combination of the diesel's fuel efficiency and performance gave the Audi sufficient points to be declared the Michelin GreenX Challenge winner. Among the GT cars, several problems hurt the performance of the cellulosic E85-fueled Chevrolet Corvettes. Thus, the Flying Lizard team's Porsche 911s had the best combination of carbon footprint and performance. With only one race remaining at Laguna Seca, the Porsches look like strong contenders to win the season-long Green Challenge championship. Galleries below, official press releases after the jump.


Gallery: Audi R15 TDI at Petit Le Mans 2009


Gallery: Flying Lizard Porsche at Petit Le Mans 2009


[Sources: Audi, Porsche]

Continue reading Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans

Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeAmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengeaudiaudi r15 tdiAudiR15Tdiflying lizardFlyingLizardmichelin greenx challengeMichelinGreenxChallengepetit le mansPetitLeMansporsche 911 gt3Porsche911Gt3Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/spoiler-alert-rain-rain-go-away-downpour-makes-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/spoiler-alert-rain-rain-go-away-downpour-makes-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/spoiler-alert-rain-rain-go-away-downpour-makes-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Petit Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series held its flagship race, the Petit Le Mans over the weekend at Road Atlanta, and it was more petit than normal. The race is scheduled to run for 10 hours or 1,000 miles - whichever comes first. However, the rains that have plagued the Atlanta region for the past two weeks just couldn't hold off any longer Saturday afternoon. After relatively clear running Thursday and Friday for practice and qualifying, the clouds returned Saturday for race time. After sporadic showers and drizzle throughout the first several hours, the clouds really opened up in the fifth hour.

The safety car came out for a full course yellow for a while, but the ground around the track was already waterlogged, making proper drainage impossible. With cars aquaplaning everywhere even on full rain tires, continued running became impossible and the race was red-flagged at 4 hours and 52 minutes in hopes the rain would subside. Unfortunately, it never did and the race was called at 9:30pm. Click on the jump to find out what happened while the cars were still running.


Gallery: 2009 Petit Le Mans


[Images: Chris Graythen/Darrell Ingham/Getty]

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so

Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAudidiesel racingDieselRacingpetit le mansPetit LemansPetitLeMansPeugeotplmMon, 28 Sep 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/video-scott-sharps-acura-prototype-completely-destroyed-at-pet/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/video-scott-sharps-acura-prototype-completely-destroyed-at-pet/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/video-scott-sharps-acura-prototype-completely-destroyed-at-pet/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Scott Sharp's accident at the Petit Le Mans Thursday practice session - click above to watch the video after the jump

Earlier, we told you about the Patron Highcroft racing team's marathon 20 hour build of a brand new Acura ARX-02a the day before the Petit Le Mans. The reason the crew had to work even harder than normal on a race weekend was a crash during Thursday's afternoon practice that left many observers astonished as Scott Sharp walked away unharmed.

Sharp's LMP1 Acura was heading into turn 3 at Road Atlanta when it apparently made contact with another racer exiting the pit lane. This caused the Acura's front end to lift, and that's never a good thing in one of these high-powered prototypes. Into the air the car went. After makng 3.5 revolutions, Sharp managed to crawl out of the car's remains with just a clump of mud stuck to the top of his helmet.


"I really don't know what happened," Sharp said. "I was heading up the hill in sixth gear and felt a hit in the right rear. The wheel arches are very high with the wide front tires on the Acura - I didn't see a thing - only felt the contact. I knew it was a big one and I am just really grateful to Acura and all the boys at Patrón Highcroft Racing for building such a strong car. I'm shattered for Duncan, all the guys, Brabs and Dario (Franchitti). We went through this last year and I can't believe it's happened again. I was just thinking to myself how much I like this place when next thing I'm headed upside down with a mouth full of Georgia clay."

Heading into Atlanta, Sharp and co-driver David Brabham were tied at 142 points and leading the LMP1 drivers championship race, a position they maintained by finishing sixth in yesterday's rain-shortened Petit Le Mans. The video of the crash is available after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Ryan.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice

VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Petit Le Mans2009PetitLeMansAcuraALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSerieshighcroft acurahighcroft acura arx-02ahighcroft racingHighcroftAcuraHighcroftAcuraArx-02aHighcroftRacingpatron highcroft racingPatronHighcroftRacingPetit Le MansPetitLeMansRoad AtlantaRoadAtlantaScott SharpScott Sharp crashScottSharpScottSharpCrashvideoSun, 27 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[ALMS announces 2010 schedule; Laguna Seca moves to May, becomes 6-hour enduro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/alms-announces-2010-schedule-laguna-seca-moves-to-may-becomes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/alms-announces-2010-schedule-laguna-seca-moves-to-may-becomes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/alms-announces-2010-schedule-laguna-seca-moves-to-may-becomes/#commentsFiled under:

2008 ALMS at Laguna Seca - click above for a high res image gallery

On Friday, prior to this weekend's Petit Le Mans, the American Le Mans Series announced its planned 2010 schedule. Tentatively, nine of this year's 10 venues are carried over, with only the St. Petersburg, FL street race going away. There are a couple of date changes for the existing venues, however. The Utah race, which had been run in May in recent years, will move to a July slot after the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The big change for 2010 however, concerns the annual race at Laguna Seca. This California event has long been the season-ender following Petit Le Mans. In 2010, though, it moves to the May 22 slot and the race length grows to six hours (it's currently a four-hour event). Unfortunately for fans in Michigan, the Detroit race won't return in 2010 because of its local sponsors' poor financial situation; organizers still hope to revive the race in 2011. The schedule is after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 ALMS at Laguna Seca


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading ALMS announces 2010 schedule; Laguna Seca moves to May, becomes 6-hour enduro

ALMS announces 2010 schedule; Laguna Seca moves to May, becomes 6-hour enduro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengelagunalaguna secaLagunaSecaSun, 27 Sep 2009 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Patron Highcroft team builds new Acura prototype in just over 20 hours [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/patron-highcroft-team-builds-new-acura-prototype-in-just-over-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/patron-highcroft-team-builds-new-acura-prototype-in-just-over-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/patron-highcroft-team-builds-new-acura-prototype-in-just-over-20/#commentsFiled under: ,

Scott Sharp driving the Highcroft Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009 - click above for high-res image gallery

A mere 42 hours after Scott Sharp walked away from a horrific 3.5-revolution crash during practice for the Petit Le Mans, a freshly-built Acura ARX-02a was rolled out for the morning warmup on Saturday. The Highcroft crew put in marathon sessions Thursday and Friday to ensure that their pre-race work did not go in vain. Unlike Formula One teams, ALMS teams don't typically bring a spare car along with them, even to a big race like Petit Le Mans.

Sharp's crash happened at 3:43 PM EDT on Thursday, and by 6 pm a spare carbon fiber tub was picked up from the Honda Performance Development shop in California. As the tub was being shipped across the continent, the crew at Road Atlanta set about stripping down what was left of the crashed car. In the end, only 10 percent of the old parts were re-used on the new car.

The new tub arrived at the track at 9:30 AM Friday morning and the team went to work; a whole new race car had to be built up from thousands of parts. 15.5 hours after they started, the engine was fired at 1 AM. By 5:45 AM, setup was complete and at 9:45 AM Saturday morning the car hit the track. SPOILER ALERT: Petit Le Mans was ended early due to heavy rains, with the Highcroft Acura finishing sixth overall, 4 laps down from the winning Peugueot.

Update: Time lapse video of the build is embedded after the jump.

Gallery: Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading REPORT: Patron Highcroft team builds new Acura prototype in just over 20 hours [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Patron Highcroft team builds new Acura prototype in just over 20 hours [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesfalsehighcroft acurahighcroft acura arx-02ahighcroft racingHighcroftAcuraHighcroftAcuraArx-02aHighcroftRacingpatron highcroft racingPatronHighcroftRacingpetit le mansPetitLeMansscott sharpscott sharp crashScottSharpScottSharpCrashSun, 27 Sep 2009 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson Racing debuts ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/dyson-racing-debuts-ethanol-biobutanol-blend-at-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/dyson-racing-debuts-ethanol-biobutanol-blend-at-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/dyson-racing-debuts-ethanol-biobutanol-blend-at-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dyson Racing B09/96 running at Mid-Ohio - click above for high-res image gallery

When we spoke with American Le Mans Series CEO Scott Atherton at the Detroit Auto Show last January, he revealed that discussions were being held between the series and parties interested in racing with a new fuel. At the time, he declined to reveal the nature of the fuel but expected to announce something during the 2009 season. We're now down to the second to last race of 2009 and a fourth series fuel has finally arrived.

Dyson Racing's LMP2 #16 Lola-Mazda is running unclassified at this weekend's Petit Le Mans because its fuel tank will be filled with a blend of biobutanol and ethanol. This is the first use of butanol in an ALMS car. Dyson has been working with its primary sponsor BP and engine supplier Mazda to develop the new fuel which is currently produced from sugar cane but can also be produced from cellulosic sources. Butanol has several advantages over ethanol including higher energy density allowing mileage and power closer to that of gasoline. What's more, because it doesn't have the same tendency to absorb water (which causes corrosion), it can be blended with gasoline in higher concentrations without modifying the engines. Hopefully, we'll see cars running for points fueled by butanol all season long in 2010. Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Dyson Racing Mazda-Lola at Mid-Ohio


[Source: American Le Mans Series]
All photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Dyson Racing debuts ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans

Dyson Racing debuts ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to view the video after the jump

With the American Le Mans Series returning to Road Atlanta this weekend for its flagship event, the Petit Le Mans, Audi has returned to take on the French. Peugeot, of course, won this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans after a multi-year battle with the diesel-powered Audis. So far, in the first three open practice sessions on Thursday, Peugeot's diesels continued to have a speed advantage over the Audi entries, with Frank Montagny setting the fastest time of the week so far during the night practice session at 1:07.912, three-quarters ahead of the second Peugeot, and the Audis also running third and fourth.

Earlier on Thursday, one of Audi's reserve drivers for the ten hour race, Mike Rockenfeller, conducted a backstage tour of the Audi paddock where the crew were preparing the cars for the first practice. This is back in an area that spectators don't get to see much of. As the cars were being taken out to the track, Rockenfeller went into the big tent behind the pit where the engineers were pouring over telemetry data on their screens trying to figure out how to make the R15 faster. Check out the videos after the jump.


Gallery: Audi R15 TDI


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mike Rockenfeller guides a tour of the Audi pit at Petit Le Mans

VIDEO: Mike Rockenfeller guides a tour of the Audi pit at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XKR GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After announcing earlier this year that it would enter the American Le Mans Series with a new GT2 class XKR, Jaguar has remained silent on when the car would actually appear. That silence is now over as the car is roaring to life at Road Atlanta today in practice for Saturday's Petit Le Mans.

The new racer has been prepared by long-time Jaguar racing collaborator Paul Gentilozzi and his RSR team. RSR is the successor to Rocketsports racing with which Gentilozzi campaigned XKRs in the Trans Am series. Like the new GT2 C6.R Corvette, the XKR started its life as a production aluminum body-in-white that was then transformed into a racer. Most of the aerodynamic development of the body was handled by the engineers at Jaguar before being fabricated in carbon fiber by RSR and a local Michigan-based supplier. RSR is mainly using this weekend's debut race as an extended track test session to prove-out the new car before participating in the entire 2010 season. We'll let you know how it does.


Gallery: RSR Jaguar XKR GT2 racer


[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar XKR GT2 will debut this week at Petit Le Mans

Jaguar XKR GT2 will debut this week at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R15 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Audi vs. Peugeot endurance racing battle will continue next month at Road Atlanta as the German team finally confirmed it will bring the R15 TDI back to America. Peugeot announced several weeks ago that it would run its Le Mans-winning 908 HDI at both the Petit Le Mans and Laguna Seca. So far Audi has only committed to the 10-hour race in Georgia. Audi Sport Team Joest will be running the two R15s for the German automaker.

The diesel-powered racers opened up the season battling at the 12 hours of Sebring with the R15 grabbing a debut victory. From there, the Franco-Prussian war moved on to the 24 Hours of Le Mans where Peugeot finally came through with a win after three years of trying.

Audi motorsports boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich blamed a lack of testing for the team's failure in France this year and plans to have the team test at Road Atlanta the week prior to the race next month. Hopefully, Audi will stick around for the California race, as well. Full press release after the jump, and thanks to all for the tips!


Gallery: 12 Hours of Sebring - 2009


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Game On! Audi headed to Petit Le Mans to challenge Peugeot

Game On! Audi headed to Petit Le Mans to challenge Peugeot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 ALMS at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series is responding to economic conditions and the decline in the diversity of racing machinery on the grid by changing up the racing classes in its ranks for next season. Rather than imposing spending caps that would be tough to enforce, the series is adding new classes that are closer to production machinery.

Starting in 2010, the two-tier LMP1 and LMP2 categories will be merged into one LMP class, while a new LMP Challenge class will be added starting with the inclusion of Oreca's lower powered Formula Le Mans cars. However, the old system will remain in place for the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans races so as to allow European teams to compete in the series' premier American races.

In the GT categories, GT2 class will be remade as GT in the wake of GT1's decline, with a new GT Challenge mirroring the LMP Challenge class for Porsche 911 GT3s. ALMS CEO Scott Atherton has left the door open to other GT3 competitors if they are interested, so hopefully we'll soon see the Audi R8 GT4 get the necessary mods to run in the GTC class.

The revised classifications should amount to more direct competition between challengers - provided the standings don't get too convoluted by the premier event exceptions.


Gallery: American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010

American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesgt challengegt1gt2GtChallengele mansle mans seriesLeMansLeMansSerieslmplmp challengelmp1lmp2LmpChallengeMon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gil de Ferran to step out of the cockpit and expand team to IndyCar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/gil-de-ferran-to-step-out-of-the-cockpit-and-expand-team-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/gil-de-ferran-to-step-out-of-the-cockpit-and-expand-team-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/gil-de-ferran-to-step-out-of-the-cockpit-and-expand-team-to-indy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gil de Ferran driving his Acura AXR-02a - click above for a high-res image gallery

Shortly after grabbing the overall pole position for Saturday's American Le Mans Series Race at Mid-Ohio, Gil de Ferran announced that he would again hang up his helmet at the end of the 2009 season. Instead of driving, de Ferran intends to expand his race team, adding a second sports car in ALMS as well as a two-car effort in the IRL IndyCar series.

This is not the first de Ferran has walked away from competitive driving. He retired from the Penske IndyCar team in 2003 to take up a slot as Sporting Director of the Honda F1 team. Early in 2008 he announced his return to the cockpit with the formation of de Ferran Motorsports and took advantage of his long-time association with Honda to get a third Acura LMP2 car in 2008. This year his team, along with Highcroft Racing, lead Acura's move to LMP1. Gil and team-mate Simon Pagenaud have won the last three ALMS races and are currently second in the championship.


Gallery: Mid-Ohio 2009: De Ferran Acura ARX-02a


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Gil de Ferran to step out of the cockpit and expand team to IndyCar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette C6.R GT2 - click above for a high-res image gallery

After more than two years of design and development work, the new GT2 class Corvette C6.R made its racing debut on Saturday at Mid-Ohio. For an all-new race ca,r it proved remarkably free of teething pains. In fact, it seems the biggest hurdle was for the drivers, Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen, Olivier Berretta and Oliver Gavin, who had to deal with running in the GT pack rather than racing in the top of the pack amongst themselves.

After two hours and 45 minutes of action, O'Connell and Magnussen ended up finishing second in the GT1 class to Patrick Long and Joerg Bergmeister in one of the Flying Lizard Porsches. Their teammates suffered a bout of bad timing when the safety car was out during a full course yellow and causing the duo to lose a lap. Nonetheless, they still finished fourth behind the BMW M3 of Tom Milner and Dirk Mueller. Next weekend it's off to Road America in Elkhart Lake WI.


Gallery: Mid-Ohio 2009: Corvette GT2 racing


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Mid-Ohio 2009: GT2 Corvettes run 2nd and 4th in debut

Mid-Ohio 2009: GT2 Corvettes run 2nd and 4th in debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette C6.R GT2 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The all-new Corvette C6.R GT2 is on track at Mid-Ohio this morning for the first official practice session ahead of tomorrow's American Le Mans Series Race. So far, the 'Vettes look good and sound great, although they aren't running at the front of the pack. As of this writing, Oliver Gavin and Jan Magnussen are running third and fourth, respectively, in GT2 in the number 4 and 3 Corvettes. Bill Auberlin is leading the pack in the #90 BMW M3.

While the new GT2 contenders don't look quite as aggressive as their GT1 predecessors, the updated yellow and black livery looks great on the ZR1-inspired bodywork and their thunderous exhaust note won't be mistaken for any of the Porsches or Ferraris mixing it up on the circuit. Considering the limited track time the team has had, both 'Vettes seems to be running strong. We'll have a better idea of how strong this afternoon when they head out for qualifying.

UPDATE: In GT qualifying this afternoon, Joerg Bergmeister took the pole in one of the Flying Lizard Porsches with Jan Magnussen grabbing third in the #3 Vette and Oliver Gavin following in sixth in the #4 Vette.

Gallery: Mid-Ohio ALMS 2009: Corvette C6.R GT2


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Mid-Ohio 2009 ALMS: Corvette C6.R GT2 hits the track! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette C6.R GT2 - click above for high-res image gallery

After a decade of competing with the GT1 big dogs in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this weekend marks the start of a new era for Corvette Racing. The race at Mid-Ohio this Saturday (we'll be on hand live) will mark the debut of the all-new GT2 Corvette C6.R. For the last two years, the Corvettes have run without any factory competition in the ALMS GT1 class, and with GT2 being where all the action is, Chevrolet has decided the time was ripe for a change.

The original GT1 C5R debuted in 1999, and in 2005, the team transitioned to the then-new C6.R body style. Over the years, competitors like the Dodge Viper, Aston Martin DBR9 and Ferrari 575 have come and gone, but the Vettes have soldiered on to fight the good fight. After farewell races at Sebring, Long Beach and Le Mans earlier this year, the GT1 cars have been retired. Mark Kent, GM Racing manager, Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager, Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, Johnny O'Connell, driver No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R all took part in a conference call today to discuss the move to GT2, and we were on the line Read all about it after the jump and check out the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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